Health Tip: Steep Cornea

(HealthDay News) -- Some people have an eye condition commonly called steep cornea and scientifically known as keratoconus, in which the middle of the cornea thins and starts to bulge outward, forming a rounded cone shape.

According to the National Eye Institute, it''s mostly seen in teenagers and young adults. And although it''s rare, steep cornea, if left untreated, can cause scarring of the cornea and lead to vision impairment.

At first, eyesight can be corrected with glasses. As time goes on, special contact lens will be needed. In most cases, the cornea stabilizes and nothing further is needed.

But in some cases, the cornea becomes so scarred that a corneal transplant may be necessary.

Regularly scheduled eye exams should help identify steep cornea at an early stage.

-- Deborah DiSesa Hirsch

Last Updated: Jan. 19, 2006